Todd Kirkland/Icon SMIFormer Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen died in a one-car crash in Georgia early Sunday morning. He was 23.

"This is a sad day for the entire Auburn family," Malzahn said Sunday in a statement. "I find peace knowing that even though Philip was taken from us too soon, that he lived his life to the fullest, leaving a lifetime of great memories for his family and friends to cherish forever."

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs said Lutzenkirchen's death was "a devastating tragedy for his family, the Auburn family and his countless friends."

"He had a strong faith, a big heart and a burning desire to help others," Jacobs said. "Philip was a bright light this world desperately needed, and his death leaves a void that can't possibly be filled."

Driver Joseph Ian Davis, 22, was partially ejected from the vehicle and was also killed, investigators said. Authorities said blood was drawn from Davis to determine whether alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Lutzenkirchen set school records for a tight end with 14 career touchdown catches and seven during the 2011 season. He scored the winning touchdown against Alabama to preserve the national title run in 2010, performing an end zone dance later nicknamed "The Lutzie."

His Auburn career ended early when he opted to undergo hip surgery late in his senior season in 2012.

Lutzenkirchen signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Rams but was waived in August 2013. He was a volunteer assistant coach at Saint James School in Montgomery, Alabama who was working at a wealth management company.

Auburn players and coaches posted tributes to Lutzenkirchen on Twitter.

The Auburn Family is broken today with the loss of a great Auburn man and friend Phillip Lutzenkirchen. Crushed and without words.